I have a theory about these wings, though I'm not sure if it answers the question.

I think that Energon Jetfire is not intended to represent a simple spaceship, but more specifically, a space shuttle and a booster/fuel unit.

When you really look at his vehicle mode, there is a strong suggestion that the top (grey) part is intended to be it's own small ship while the lower (red) part is the booster unit.

You can almost make this work because the upper portion pops off easily, but unfortunately, those wings are attached to the lower portion insteadt. But it does look like they are supposed to look like "part" of the upper "ship" that sits on top.

I have a theory about these wings, though I'm not sure if it answers the question.

I think that Energon Jetfire is not intended to represent a simple spaceship, but more specifically, a space shuttle and a booster/fuel unit.

When you really look at his vehicle mode, there is a strong suggestion that the top (grey) part is intended to be it's own small ship while the lower (red) part is the booster unit.

You can almost make this work because the upper portion pops off easily, but unfortunately, those wings are attached to the lower portion insteadt. But it does look like they are supposed to look like "part" of the upper "ship" that sits on top.